KR20230173746A - Composition for treating joint diseases and kit including same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition for treating joint diseases and a kit containing the same. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a composition for treating joint diseases that can be used in patients with joint diseases and a kit containing the same. A composition for the treatment of joint diseases containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound and used to be administered as an injection once over a period of 4 weeks to a patient with a human joint disease, Even for patients with chronic joint diseases, the burden is reduced to a small extent, and at the same time, excellent medicinal efficacy is achieved.

Description

Composition for treating joint diseases and kit containing the same {COMPOSITION FOR TREATING JOINT DISEASES AND KIT INCLUDING SAME}

The present invention relates to a composition for treating joint diseases and a kit containing the same.

In an aging modern society, arthrosis deformity (hereinafter also referred to as “OA” in this specification), a functional disorder caused by joint pain or joint degeneration, is the most common joint disease in the world and interferes with the daily lives of elderly people. Physical disability is one of the main causes. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis (polyarthritis) (hereinafter also referred to as “RA” in this specification) is known as a disease accompanied by swelling and pain in the joints. In RA, if the disease progresses over a long period of time, cartilage and bones are destroyed, causing degeneration or deformation, and the range of joint movement is narrowed, resulting in physical disabilities that interfere with daily life.

Currently, preparations using hyaluronic acid or its derivatives are used as medicines for arthrosis such as degenerative arthrosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hyaluronic acid preparations are usually formulated as injections, and are aimed at improving dysfunction caused by arthrosis and suppressing pain through the lubrication, shock absorption, and cartilage metabolism improvement effects of hyaluronic acid, and are used to treat affected areas such as knees and shoulders. It is administered directly to the joint. Commercially available hyaluronic acid preparations include, for example, those containing purified sodium hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient (e.g., ARTZ (registered trademark), SUVENYL (registered trademark)). This preparation requires 3 to 5 consecutive administrations at a frequency of once per week.

In addition, preparations containing cross-linked hyaluronan as an active ingredient require three consecutive administrations at a frequency of once a week (e.g., Synvisc (registered trademark)), but treatment is not completed with one administration. Those for single administration (eg, Synvisc-One (registered trademark), Gel-One (registered trademark), MONOVISC (registered trademark)) are known.

On the other hand, steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds are known as drugs with immediate effect, and are also used in treatments aimed at relieving joint pain caused by OA or RA. For example, triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid, is used to treat joint diseases such as articular rheumatism. Triamcinolone acetonide is commercially available as a drug to be injected into the joint space, and treatment requires administration every 1 to 2 weeks. In addition, for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, for example, ointments and oral administration agents containing diclofenac sodium as an active ingredient are known, and multiple administrations per day are required.

It is also known to use a mixture or combination of hyaluronic acid or its derivatives with steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds as an active ingredient. For example, a mixture of cross-linked hyaluronic acid and triamcinolone hexacetonide (CINGAL (registered trademark)) is commercialized as a drug for single administration. Additionally, compounds in which hyaluronic acid or its derivatives are linked to steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds are also known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe derivatives in which an anti-inflammatory compound is introduced into hyaluronic acid through a spacer. These aim to achieve both immediate pain relief and long-term pain relief through improvement of functional disability. However, we have not yet reached the stage where it can be said that sufficient treatment methods for OA and RA have been established and provided.

International Publication No. 2005/066214 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-156029

The interval between drug administrations is generally determined in relation to the patient's physical burden and mental burden such as the complexity of medication management. Among pharmaceuticals, injections with relatively high invasiveness in administration, and preparations that require continuous administration every 1 to 2 weeks impose a relatively large physical burden on patients. On the other hand, for single-dose injections, after one administration, the next administration cannot be administered for a certain period of time due to insurance coverage. Considering the length of time until the next administration that can be covered by insurance and the patient's economic burden, it is desirable for patients to have various options regarding administration intervals.

Because steroid and non-steroid anti-inflammatory compounds have excellent immediate effectiveness, they often show high effectiveness against acute symptoms such as acute inflammation. On the other hand, these anti-inflammatory compounds have relatively fast metabolism and excretion rates in the body and have a short duration of effect, so they require repeated administration at a high frequency to maintain sufficient efficacy.

Since injections are relatively highly invasive formulations, frequent, repeated administration tends to be a burden on patients, and for patients with chronic symptoms such as chronic inflammation (for example, pain lasting more than 12 weeks), This tendency is particularly strong when the joint disease treatment agent is administered as an injection.

Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a composition for treating joint diseases that can be used as an injection that reduces the burden even on patients with chronic joint diseases (for example, patients whose pain continues for more than 12 weeks) and at the same time achieves excellent medicinal efficacy. .

In view of the above problems, the present inventors conducted a thorough study and found that a composition for treating joint diseases containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound can be used to treat human joint diseases by using a predetermined method. It was surprisingly discovered that a particularly excellent improvement effect was exhibited when administered to a patient, and the composition for treating joint diseases was found to solve the above problems, leading to completion of the present invention. More specifically, the problem was solved by administering the drug in the form of an injection once in a period of 4 weeks or more to patients with human joint diseases as a prescribed dosage.

One aspect of the present invention is a treatment for joint diseases, which contains modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound and is administered by a predetermined dosage to a patient with a human joint disease. It relates to a composition for use. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating human joint diseases, which includes the step of administering the composition for treating joint diseases in a prescribed dosage into the joints of a patient in need thereof. Here, the prescribed dosage means, for example, administration as an injection once over a period of 4 weeks or more. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kit containing the composition for treating the joint disease. Here, the kit means, for example, a syringe filled with the composition in a syringe as one component.

As a more specific example, the present invention relates to the following [1] to [5].

[1] Contains modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound, and is used as a one-time injection over a period of 4 weeks or more for patients with human joint diseases. Composition for treating joint diseases.

[2] A kit including a syringe filled with the composition according to [1] above.

[3] A composition containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound for use in a method of treating joint disease in patients with human joint disease, A composition comprising administering the composition as an injection once over a period of 4 weeks or more to a patient with a human joint disease.

[4] Use of modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound in the production of a composition for treating joint diseases, wherein the composition is an injection and can be administered to human patients. Use to treat joint diseases once in a period of 4 weeks or more.

[5] A method of treating human joint disease, comprising administering a composition containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound to the joints of a patient with joint disease. A method comprising: wherein the administration is performed once in a period of 4 weeks or more, and the composition is an injection.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

One aspect of the present invention contains modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound, and is administered as an injection once a period of 4 weeks or more for patients with human joint diseases. It relates to a composition for treating joint diseases used to be administered as.

Another aspect of the present invention is to administer an effective amount of modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound as a once-injected agent over a period of 4 weeks or more for patients with human joint diseases. It relates to a method of treating joint disease including administration.

Another aspect of the present invention is a composition for use as an injection in the treatment of patients with human joint diseases, comprising modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound. It relates to a composition that includes and is administered once in a period of 4 weeks or more.

Another aspect of the present invention is the use of modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound in the production of an injectable agent for the treatment of patients with human joint diseases, It relates to the use of therapeutic injections where the frequency of administration is once in a period of 4 weeks or more.

According to the present invention, a composition for treating joint diseases containing modified hyaluronic acid having a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered to a patient with a human joint disease according to a predetermined dosage, thereby treating the patient's condition. The burden is small and excellent medicinal efficacy is achieved at the same time. According to the present invention, the above-described effects can be achieved even in patients with chronic symptoms (for example, patients whose pain continues for more than 12 weeks). More specifically, by administering the composition, which is an injection, once over a period of 4 weeks or more, the composition for treating joint diseases can bring about an excellent improvement effect in patients with joint diseases. The present invention provides a treatment method for patients with human joint diseases that is more effective than conventional treatment methods, and compositions and kits for the treatment method.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the preferred properties and features of one aspect of the invention can be applied to other aspects of the invention.

In this specification, “hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof” is sometimes simply referred to as “hyaluronic acid molecule.” In addition, “modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound” is sometimes simply referred to as a “modified hyaluronic acid molecule.”

In this specification, “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” includes metal salts such as sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, magnesium salts, and barium salts; ammonium salt; Amine salts such as methylamine salt, diethylamine salt, ethylenediamine salt, cyclohexylamine salt, and ethanolamine salt; Inorganic acid salts such as hydrochloride, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, hydrobromide, and hydrogen iodide; Examples include organic acid salts such as acetate, phthalate, fumarate, maleate, oxalate, succinate, methanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, tartrate, hydrogen tartaric acid, and malate. It is not limited.

In this specification, “joint disease” refers to diseases in various joints such as knee joint, shoulder joint, neck joint, hip joint, spinal joint, temporomandibular joint, finger joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and ankle joint. More specific examples of joint diseases include arthrosis deformity, rheumatism of the joints, articular cartilage damage, osteonecrosis of the knee, necrosis of the femur, shoulder arthritis, bacterial arthritis, viral arthritis, and neuropathic arthrosis. The composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention is preferably used for deforming arthrosis or articular rheumatism, and more preferably for deforming arthrosis. Additionally, the composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention is preferably used for joint diseases of the knee joint. The composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention is more preferably used for degenerative knee arthrosis.

In this specification, “treatment” may refer to treatment for the disease itself (e.g., treatment to cure or improve organic lesions in the disease) or treatment of various symptoms accompanying the disease (e.g., pain, stiffness, joints). It may be a treatment for a decrease in ADL caused by the joint, such as function (which can be assessed by, for example, difficulty in daily activities (e.g., going up and down stairs, getting in and out of a car, etc.)). In addition, “treatment” includes not only complete cure, but also improvement of some or all symptoms of the disease, inhibition of progression of the disease (including maintenance and reduction of the rate of progression), and prevention. Here, prevention means, for example, in cases where an organic lesion in a joint is recognized but symptoms accompanying joint disease, such as joint functional disorder, pain and/or stiffness, do not occur, it is used to prevent the occurrence of such symptoms. Includes prevention. In addition, prevention means, for example, in cases where a clear organic lesion in a joint is not recognized, but various symptoms accompanying joint disease such as joint functional impairment, pain and/or stiffness occur, the treatment of the organic lesion in question It includes preventing the occurrence of symptoms in advance and suppressing the development of symptoms that are not currently present. The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is preferably used to improve symptoms, cure, or inhibit the progression of joint diseases, and more preferably is used to improve or cure symptoms. In one embodiment, it can be suitably used for improving joint pain, suppressing healing or progression of joint pain, or improving joint function.

In this specification, “effective amount” means an amount of ingredient that corresponds to a reasonable risk/benefit ratio, does not have excessive harmful side effects (toxicity, irritation, allergic reaction, etc.), and is sufficient to obtain a desired response. The “effective amount” may vary depending on various factors such as symptoms, physique, age, and gender of the patient subject to administration. However, for those skilled in the art, there is no need to conduct individual tests for each combination of elements, and if one or more elements are different based on the results of specific test examples (e.g., examples described later) and common technical knowledge, The effective amount can also be determined.

The hyaluronic acid molecule has a structure in which N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid are bonded to β1,3 as a disaccharide unit (constituent disaccharide unit), and the disaccharide unit is composed of a basic skeleton in which β1,4 is repeatedly bonded. There is no particular limitation in structure as long as it contains glycosaminoglycan and is composed of the basic skeleton. In addition, hyaluronic acid molecules can be used even if they are obtained by any method, such as purified products derived from animals or microorganisms, or compounds such as chemical synthesis. In addition, the hyaluronic acid molecules and modified hyaluronic acid molecules in this specification do not have a cross-linked structure introduced between the basic skeletons by performing a cross-linking reaction. That is, hyaluronic acid molecules and modified hyaluronic acid molecules that do not have a photoreactive group are employed. In addition, the “photoreactive group” refers to the residue of a compound that generates a photodimerization reaction or photopolymerization reaction upon light irradiation, and the residue of a compound that crosslinks within or between molecules of a hyaluronic acid molecule or modified hyaluronic acid molecule (e.g. For example, cinnamic acid, substituted cinnamic acid, acrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, sorbic acid, coumarin, thymine, etc.). In addition, the hyaluronic acid molecule may have a reducing end, or may be derivatized to the extent that the purpose and effect of the present invention are not impaired, such as having a part of the hydroxyl group in the molecule acetylated.

The weight average molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid molecule or modified hyaluronic acid molecule is not particularly limited, but examples include 10,000 to 5,000,000, preferably 500,000 to 3,000,000, more preferably 600,000 to 3,000,000, and even more preferably 600,000 to 600,000. It is less than 1,200,000. In addition, in this specification, “weight average molecular weight” is a value measured by the intrinsic viscosity method.

The hyaluronic acid molecules and modified hyaluronic acid molecules used in the present invention may be in a state without forming a salt, or may be in a state in which a salt is formed with a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of hyaluronic acid and modified hyaluronic acid include, for example, metal salts such as sodium salts, potassium salts, magnesium salts, and calcium salts, and ammonium salts. From the viewpoint of particularly high compatibility with living organisms, the hyaluronic acid salt and modified hyaluronic acid salt used are preferably pharmaceutically acceptable alkali metal salts (e.g., sodium salts, potassium salts), and sodium salts are particularly preferred. desirable.

Modified hyaluronic acid molecules can be obtained by binding an anti-inflammatory compound to a hyaluronic acid molecule, with or without a spacer. The modified hyaluronic acid molecule may have one type of anti-inflammatory compound bound to it, or it may have two or more types of anti-inflammatory compounds bound to it.

The binding mode between the hyaluronic acid molecule and the anti-inflammatory compound is not particularly limited, as long as the therapeutic effect for the desired joint disease is not impaired. For example, it may be a covalent bond. For example, a hyaluronic acid molecule and an anti-inflammatory compound may be directly bonded through a bonding form such as an amide bond or an ether bond. Alternatively, when the hyaluronic acid molecule and the anti-inflammatory compound are bonded through a spacer, the bonding form between the hyaluronic acid molecule and the spacer includes, for example, an amide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, a thioester bond, and a sulfide bond. Examples of the bonding form between the spacer and the anti-inflammatory compound include amide bond, ether bond, ester bond, thioester bond, and sulfide bond.

In one preferred embodiment, the modified hyaluronic acid molecule is formed by binding an anti-inflammatory compound to a hyaluronic acid molecule through a spacer. By selecting the functional group of the spacer according to the functional group of the anti-inflammatory compound, the anti-inflammatory compound can be introduced into the hyaluronic acid molecule in a desired binding mode.

From the viewpoint of biodegradability, a modified hyaluronic acid molecule in which a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound is covalently bonded to the hyaluronic acid skeleton through a spacer of the following formula (1) is provided as a preferred embodiment. In addition, in this specification, “hyaluronic acid skeleton” refers to a structural portion derived from a hyaluronic acid molecule among modified hyaluronic acid molecules.

In the above formula, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R ² is a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. R ¹ is preferably a hydrogen atom. R ² is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and more preferably an unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 2 carbon atoms. From the viewpoint of sustainability of medicinal efficacy, it is more preferable that R ² is an ethylene group, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom, and it is particularly preferable that R ² is an ethylene group.

Substituents for R ² include an aryl group with 6 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group with 1 to 11 carbon atoms, an acyl group with 1 to 11 carbon atoms, a carboxyl group, and a halogen atom (for example, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom). , bromine atom, iodine atom), etc.

From the viewpoint of biodegradability, a modified hyaluronic acid molecule containing a structural disaccharide unit of the following formula (2) is provided as a more preferable embodiment.

However, in the above formula, R ¹ and R ² have the same meaning as those in formula (1), and the definitions in formula (1) can be appropriately applied. In the above formula, X represents a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound.

From the viewpoint of balance between solubility in an aqueous composition and the effective concentration of the anti-inflammatory compound, in one preferred embodiment, the ratio of the structural units of formula (2) to the total disaccharide units constituting the modified hyaluronic acid (described later) Modified hyaluronic acid molecules having an incorporation rate (equivalent to an incorporation rate) of 0.1 mol% or more and 80 mol% or less are provided. The ratio of the structural units of formula (2) to the total disaccharide units constituting the modified hyaluronic acid is more preferably 5 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less, more preferably 10 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less, and 15 mol%. % or more and 30 mol% or less is particularly preferable. The ratio of the structural units of formula (2) can be adjusted by changing the reaction equivalent of the condensation agent, condensation aid, and spacer molecule, the reaction equivalent of the anti-inflammatory compound, etc. in the reaction step of introducing the anti-inflammatory compound into the hyaluronic acid molecule. . In addition, among the structural disaccharide units in the modified hyaluronic acid molecule, in the structural disaccharide units other than the structural disaccharide unit of the above formula (2), the glucuronic acid-derived unit may have either a carboxy group or a salt of carboxylic acid, but an alkali metal salt ( For example, it is preferable to have a group of sodium salt, potassium salt).

The compound used as a spacer (spacer compound) has at least one functional group that binds to a hyaluronic acid molecule and at least one functional group that binds to an anti-inflammatory compound, and can be appropriately selected depending on the binding mode between the hyaluronic acid molecule and the anti-inflammatory compound. .

For example, when introducing a spacer by forming an amide bond between the carboxyl group of a hyaluronic acid molecule, a spacer compound having an amino group can be selected. When introducing a spacer by forming an ester bond between the carboxyl groups of the hyaluronic acid molecule, a spacer compound having a hydroxyl group can be selected. When introducing a spacer by forming an ester bond between the hydroxyl group of the hyaluronic acid molecule, a spacer compound having a carboxyl group can be selected. As a spacer compound, a spacer compound having an amino group is one of the preferred forms from the viewpoint of ease of introduction into the hyaluronic acid molecule and stability in vivo.

Similarly, when introducing a spacer by forming an ester bond with the carboxyl group of the anti-inflammatory compound, a spacer compound having a hydroxyl group can be selected. When introducing a spacer by forming an amide bond with the carboxyl group of the anti-inflammatory compound, a spacer compound having an amino group can be selected. When introducing a spacer by forming an ester bond between the hydroxyl group of the anti-inflammatory compound, a spacer compound having a carboxyl group can be selected. When introducing a spacer by forming a thioester bond between the mercapto group of the anti-inflammatory compound, a spacer compound having a carboxy group can be selected. From the viewpoint of release of the anti-inflammatory compound by biodegradation, the bonding mode between the spacer and the anti-inflammatory compound is preferably an ester bond or a thioester bond, and more preferably an ester bond.

As described above, the spacer compound can be appropriately selected depending on the functional group of the hyaluronic acid molecule or the anti-inflammatory compound. For example, diaminoalkanes with 2 to 18 carbon atoms and 2 or more carbon atoms that may have a substituent. Aminoalkyl alcohols of 12 or less, amino acids, etc. are mentioned. The amino acid may be a natural or non-natural amino acid and is not particularly limited, but examples include glycine, β-alanine, and γ-aminobutyric acid.

By using a spacer compound (multivalent spacer compound) having a plurality of functional groups capable of forming a bond with an anti-inflammatory compound, it becomes possible to bind a plurality of anti-inflammatory compounds to one spacer. Therefore, it becomes possible to introduce multiple anti-inflammatory compounds for one functional group (for example, one carboxyl group) into the hyaluronic acid molecule into which the anti-inflammatory compound is introduced. Additionally, by using a multivalent spacer compound, more anti-inflammatory compounds can be introduced by reacting only a portion of the hydrophilic groups, such as carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups, of the hyaluronic acid molecule with the multivalent spacer compound. For this reason, when the composition for treating joint diseases is an aqueous composition, there is an advantage in using a multivalent spacer compound from the viewpoint of water solubility. Examples of the multivalent spacer compound include 2-aminopropane-1,3-diol, serine, threonine, 2-amino-1,5-pentanediol, 3-amino-1,2-propanediol, and tris (hydroxymethyl). Aminomethane, and derivatives thereof, etc. can be mentioned.

In the method of introducing a spacer and an anti-inflammatory compound into a hyaluronic acid molecule, an anti-inflammatory compound may be introduced into a hyaluronic acid molecule into which a spacer has been introduced, or an anti-inflammatory compound into which a spacer has previously been introduced may be reacted with the hyaluronic acid molecule.

The method of combining the anti-inflammatory compound, hyaluronic acid molecule, and spacer compound is not particularly limited. For example, as long as it is a method capable of forming an ester bond, an amide bond, a thioester bond, etc., it is possible to use a commonly available method as a means of carrying out the bonding reaction, and the reaction conditions are also known to those skilled in the art. You can judge and choose appropriately.

The binding reaction between a hyaluronic acid molecule and a spacer compound or a spacer-bound anti-inflammatory compound can be achieved using either the carboxy group or the hydroxyl group of the hyaluronic acid molecule, but the carboxy group is easier to achieve due to the high reactivity of the functional group. You can. Methods for achieving this bond include, for example, water-soluble carbodiimides (e.g., 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI·HCl), 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide methiodide, etc.) using a water-soluble condensing agent, or using a condensation aid such as N-hydroxysuccinic acid imide (HOSu) or N-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt). Examples include a method using the above condensing agent, an activated ester method, and an acid anhydride method. The bond between the hyaluronic acid molecule and the spacer compound or spacer-bound anti-inflammatory compound is preferably an ester bond or an amide bond, and more preferably an amide bond.

The incorporation rate of the anti-inflammatory compound into the modified hyaluronic acid molecule (hereinafter, in this specification, “the incorporation rate of the anti-inflammatory compound into the modified hyaluronic acid molecule” is also simply referred to as the “introduction rate”) is based on an aqueous composition. From the viewpoint of the balance of solubility and effective concentration of the anti-inflammatory compound, 0.1 mol% or more and 80 mol% or less is preferable, 5 mol% or more and 50 mol% or less is more preferable, and 10 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less is preferable. It is more preferable, and 15 mol% or more and 30 mol% or less is particularly preferable.

Here, the “introduction rate” in this specification is a value calculated by the following calculation equation (1), and can be calculated by, for example, absorbance measurement. More specifically, the incorporation rate is the number of moles per disaccharide unit of the modified hyaluronic acid molecule calculated by the carbazole absorbance method, and the number of moles of the anti-inflammatory compound calculated from a calibration curve prepared in advance using the absorbance characteristic of each anti-inflammatory compound. It is obtained by applying the following calculation formula (1). The incorporation rate can be adjusted by changing the reaction equivalent of the condensing agent, condensation aid, spacer molecule, reaction equivalent of the anti-inflammatory compound, etc. in the reaction step of introducing the anti-inflammatory compound into the hyaluronic acid molecule.

In one embodiment, alkali treatment is performed after the reaction of introducing an anti-inflammatory compound into the hyaluronic acid molecule through a spacer. This may improve the fluidity of the composition containing the modified hyaluronic acid molecule and the solubility of the modified hyaluronic acid molecule in the aqueous solvent. The alkaline treatment is not particularly limited as long as it is treated so that the reaction solution after the introduction reaction becomes alkaline. Specifically, a method of adding either an organic base or an inorganic base to the solution is exemplified, but considering subsequent processing, etc., a method of adding an inorganic base is preferable. In particular, weak bases such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate are preferred because they have a low risk of affecting hyaluronic acid molecules or anti-inflammatory compounds. The pH conditions for the alkaline treatment here are, for example, 7.2 or more and 11 or less, preferably 7.5 or more and 10 or less. In addition, the treatment time of the alkaline treatment is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 2 hours or more and 12 hours or less, and preferably 2 hours or more and 6 hours or less. As a specific example, after reacting an anti-inflammatory compound derivative into which a spacer is introduced with a hyaluronic acid molecule, a weak alkali such as sodium bicarbonate is added to the reaction solution, stirred for several hours, and then neutralized, ethanol precipitated, dried, etc. By performing the treatment, the desired modified hyaluronic acid molecule can be obtained.

As the “anti-inflammatory compound” in this specification, conventionally known steroid-based compounds and non-steroid-based compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect can be used.

Steroid anti-inflammatory compounds specifically include hydrocortisone, cortisone acetate ester, dexamethasone, dexamethasone palmitic acid ester, betamethasone, triamcinolone, triamcinolone acetonide, prednylsolone, methylprednisolone, paramethasone acetate ester, and Halopredone. Examples include acetate ester, prednylsolone farnesylic acid ester, and tetracosactide acetate.

In this specification, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds (hereinafter also referred to as “NSAIDs” in this specification) include aryl acetate-based compounds (e.g., indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, diclofenac). , etodolac, acemetacin, proglumethacin, amfenac, felbinac, nabumetone, mofezolac, alclofenac, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, etc.), oxicam-based compounds ( For example, piroxicam, lornoxicam, meloxicam, ampyroxicam, tenoxicam, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds), propionic acid-based compounds (e.g., ibuprofen) , naproxen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, flurubiprofen, thiaprofen acid, oxaprofen, zaltoprofen, loxoprofen, fenbufen, alminoprofen, pranoprofen, and compounds thereof. pharmaceutically acceptable salts of, etc.), phenamic acid-based compounds (e.g., mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, floctafenine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, etc. ), coxib-based compounds (e.g., celecoxib, etc.), salicylic acid-based compounds (e.g., aspirin, salicylic acid, salsalate, diflunisal, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, etc.), Acetaminophen, tiaramide, epirizole, emolphazone, tinoridine, tolmetin, diflunisal floctafenine, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic compounds (DMARDs) (e.g., Actarit, salazosulfapyridine, Bucilamine, leflunomide, penicillamine, auranofin, mizoribine, lobenzarit, tacrolimus, infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab, tocilizumab, etc.) Examples include:

From the viewpoint of ease of introduction of anti-inflammatory compounds into hyaluronic acid molecules, among the anti-inflammatory compounds exemplified above, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, diclofenac, etodolac, acemetacin, amfenac, felbinac, Mofezolac, alclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, flurubiprofen, thiaprofen acid, oxaprozin, zaltoprofen, loxoprofen, fenbufen, almino Profen, planoprofen, mefenamic acid, flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, aspirin, salicylic acid, salsalate, diflunisal, Actarit, salazosulfapyridine, busillamine, and these It is preferable to have a carboxy group or a salt group of carboxylic acid in the side chain, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound.

Also, from the viewpoint of pharmacological effects, the anti-inflammatory compound is preferably an aryl acetic acid-based compound as exemplified above, and more preferably diclofenac or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one preferred embodiment, a compound containing a molecular skeleton of the following formula (3) can be used as the anti-inflammatory compound.

However, in the above formula, Y is a hydrogen atom, a sodium atom, or a potassium atom.

In a more preferred embodiment, a compound of the following formula (3') can be used as an anti-inflammatory compound.

In the above formula, R ³ is selected from the group consisting of a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a hydrogen atom. In one embodiment, R ³ is bonded to the 5-position position in the benzene ring to which R ³ is bonded, with the carboxymethyl group at the 1-position and -NH- at the 2-position. R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are each independently a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a hydroxyl group, or a halogen atom (e.g. For example, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom) and a hydrogen atom. R ⁷ and R ⁸ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a trifluoromethyl group, and a halogen atom. do. However, at least one of R ⁷ and R ⁸ is a halogen atom. In the above formula (3'), Y has the same meaning as that in the above formula (3). Diclofenac, one of the more preferred examples of the above-mentioned anti-inflammatory compound, is in a form in which R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are hydrogen atoms, R ⁷ and R ⁸ are chlorine atoms, and Y is a hydrogen atom.

Examples of the compound of the formula (3') include those described in International Publication No. 99/11605. The contents of this publication are incorporated by reference into this specification.

In one embodiment, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention contains 0.01% by weight or more and 80% by weight or less of modified hyaluronic acid molecules. In another embodiment, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention contains 0.1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less of modified hyaluronic acid molecules.

The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention may contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in addition to the modified hyaluronic acid molecule. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include aqueous solvents such as water for injection, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), physiological saline, and Ringer's solution. In one embodiment, a composition for treating joint diseases is prepared by mixing the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a modified hyaluronic acid molecule. If necessary, additives such as buffering agents may be added to the composition. In addition, the composition for treating joint diseases may be subjected to treatment such as dedusting, sterilization, and sterilization by, for example, filter filtration after mixing each component.

The frequency of administration of hyaluronic acid preparations varies depending on the type of preparation, and those containing purified sodium hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient require 3 to 5 consecutive administrations at a frequency of once per week. For example, Namiki et al. (「Knee」 9(1): 69-73, 1983) administered 2.5 ml of a preparation containing 1% hyaluronic acid molecules (molecular weight approximately 800,000) into the knee joint of a human patient with osteoarthritis of the knee. When injected, (i) almost no injected hyaluronic acid molecules remain 72 hours after injection, and (ii) the molecular weight measurement results of hyaluronic acid molecules in joint fluid show that the effect of hyaluronic acid injection is weak, but 1 It is stated that it remains until after a week. Therefore, even for compounds in which an anti-inflammatory compound and a hyaluronic acid molecule are combined, even considering that the sustained release of the anti-inflammatory compound can be improved by binding to a hyaluronic acid molecule, the above-mentioned residence period of the injected hyaluronic acid molecule in the body Sustaining long-term effects beyond this has been thought to be difficult to achieve. Meanwhile, the present inventors surprisingly found that a composition containing as an active ingredient a modified hyaluronic acid molecule with a group derived from an anti-inflammatory compound is effective in treating joint diseases over a long period of 4 weeks. In particular, it was found that when administered as a one-time injection over a period of 4 weeks or more, it exhibits excellent medicinal efficacy even for patients with chronic joint diseases. That is, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is used to be administered to humans as an injection once over a period of 4 weeks or more. As a result, the physical and mental burden on human patients is minimized, and at the same time, excellent long-term drug efficacy is achieved. Additionally, improvement in medication compliance is expected as a result of minimizing the burden on patients.

The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is administered intraarticularly once in a period of 4 weeks or more. From the viewpoint of medicinal efficacy, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is preferably administered once in a period of 4 weeks to 52 weeks, more preferably administered once in a period of 4 weeks to 12 weeks, and 4 It is more preferable to administer it once in a period of at least 4 weeks and less than 8 weeks, and it is especially preferable to administer it once in a period of at least 4 weeks and less than 8 weeks.

In one embodiment, the composition for treating joint diseases is administered intraarticularly at a frequency of approximately once every four weeks.

In one embodiment, a composition for treating joint diseases is provided, which has a pain suppressing effect that lasts for 4 weeks or more after administration. In this specification, “pain suppression effect” means that at a certain evaluation time, the WOMAC (registered trademark) A (pain) score is statistically significantly lower than the placebo group (P value is 0.05 or less). In one embodiment, a composition for treating joint diseases is provided that has a pain suppressing effect for 4 weeks and up to 6 weeks after administration.

The number of administrations of the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is appropriately determined depending on the joint disease state of the patient, but is, for example, two or more times, preferably three or more times.

In one preferred embodiment, the treatment period of the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is from the start of administration until the patient's subjective symptoms are no longer recognized, and the number of administrations during the treatment period is two or more times. In a more preferable embodiment, the number of administrations of the composition for treating joint diseases is 2 to 13 times, and more preferably 3 to 10 times. The above “subjective symptoms” may include, for example, subjective symptoms related to pain or physical function (joint function). Evaluation of subjective symptoms can be performed, for example, using WOMAC (registered trademark) A and C described in the Examples.

Each administration interval of the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention may be the same or different. Additionally, in the process of treating joint diseases, an administration interval of less than 4 weeks may be included. Preferably, the interval between each administration is 4 weeks or more. In one preferred embodiment, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is administered at regular intervals of 4 weeks or more.

In one embodiment, from the viewpoint of medicinal efficacy, the amount of modified hyaluronic acid molecules per dose is preferably 5 mg or more and 100 mg or less, more preferably 10 mg or more and 50 mg or less, further preferably 20 mg or more and 40 mg or less, and particularly preferably about 30 mg. is administered. In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for treating joint diseases used for administration is provided.

In one embodiment, from the viewpoint of medicinal efficacy, the anti-inflammatory compound per dose is preferably 0.1 mg or more and 20 mg or less, more preferably 0.5 mg or more and 10 mg or less, and further preferably more than 1 mg and 5 mg or less. A composition for treating a disease is administered. In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for treating joint diseases used for administration is provided.

When the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is an aqueous composition containing an aqueous solvent as exemplified above, from the viewpoint of convenience of treatment, the amount per time is preferably 0.5 ml or more and 10 ml or less, more preferably 2 Not less than mL but not more than 4 mL of the aqueous composition is administered.

In one preferred embodiment, 10 mg or more and 50 mg or less of modified hyaluronic acid molecules are administered twice or more at a frequency of once every 4 to 8 weeks. As one aspect of the present invention, a composition for treating joint diseases used for the administration is provided.

In a separate preferred embodiment, 20 mg or more and 40 mg or less of modified hyaluronic acid molecules at a time are administered three or more times at a frequency of one time over a period of at least 4 weeks but less than 8 weeks. In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition for treating joint diseases used for administration is provided.

The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is intended for humans (human patients). From the viewpoint of medicinal efficacy, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is preferably administered to patients with joint diseases who have pain for more than 12 weeks (i.e., the duration of pain continues for more than 12 weeks), but patients with pain lasting less than 12 weeks It is also okay to administer it to. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, patients with joint disease who have pain for more than 12 weeks are targeted. Here, “joint disease patient with pain for 12 weeks or more” refers to a patient who has pain as a subjective symptom for 12 weeks or more continuously before starting administration of the composition for treating joint disease of the present invention to the affected area of joint disease to be treated. means.

From the same viewpoint, it is more preferable that the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention be administered to patients with joint diseases who have pain for more than 26 weeks (about half a year). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, patients with joint diseases who have pain that continues for more than 26 weeks are targeted. Here, “joint disease patient with pain for 26 weeks or more” refers to a patient who has pain as a subjective symptom for 26 weeks or more continuously before starting administration of the composition for treating joint disease of the present invention to the affected area of joint disease to be treated. means.

It is more preferable that the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is administered to patients with joint diseases who have pain for more than 52 weeks (about 1 year). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, patients with joint diseases who have pain that continues for more than 52 weeks are targeted. Here, “joint disease patient with pain for 52 weeks or more” refers to a patient who has had pain as a subjective symptom for 52 weeks or more continuously before starting administration of the composition for treating joint disease of the present invention to the affected area of joint disease to be treated. means.

Although the treatment of joint diseases of the present invention is not limited in terms of mechanism, it is presumed that the synergistic effect of anti-inflammatory compounds and hyaluronic acid molecules may lead to particularly effective results in patients with long-term pain.

From the viewpoint of medicinal efficacy, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention pays attention to body mass index (hereinafter also referred to as "BMI" in this specification), and BMI (patient's weight (kg) / (patient's height ( m)) ² ) is preferably administered to patients with joint disease weighing more than 25 kg/m2. That is, one embodiment of the present invention is intended for patients with joint disease whose BMI is 25 kg/m2 or more. A BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more is considered the obesity standard in the Japanese Obesity Society's "Obesity Diagnosis Criteria 2011," and its relationship with the increased incidence of complications (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, etc.) has been pointed out. It is becoming. As specifically shown in the examples below, a significant improvement effect by the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention has been confirmed in the group of patients with joint diseases whose BMI is 25 kg/m 2 or more. Even if it is thought that as BMI increases, that is, as obesity level increases, the load on the joints increases (making it easier to develop joint diseases), treatment with a composition for treating joint diseases is not suitable for treatment with a composition for treating joint diseases in a group of patients with a BMI within a certain range. It was unexpected that there was a good response and significant improvement was achieved. Although the mechanism that brings about this significant improvement is unclear, it is speculated that the synergistic effect of anti-inflammatory compounds and hyaluronic acid molecules may provide particularly effective results for patients with joint diseases who are highly obese and have a large load on the joints. . In addition, the above mechanism is a guess, and the treatment of joint diseases of the present invention is not limited from the aspect of the mechanism.

More preferably, the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is administered to patients with joint diseases whose BMI is 25 kg/m2 or more and less than 35 kg/m2. That is, one embodiment of the present invention targets patients with joint disease whose BMI is 25 kg/m2 or more but less than 35 kg/m2. In addition, the above BMI refers to a value measured within 4 weeks before the start of administration of the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention, and is preferably a value measured within 2 weeks before the start of administration of the composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention.

In one embodiment, a syringe is provided in which the composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention is filled in the syringe. In one embodiment, a kit including a syringe in which the composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention is filled in the syringe can also be provided. The syringe is equipped with a plunger for drug extrusion, etc., and is capable of extruding the composition for treating joint diseases according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the composition for treating joint diseases filled in a syringe may be provided in a sterile state. In one embodiment, the syringe is pre-filled with a single dose of a composition for treating joint diseases. In addition, the kit is a kit containing a medical injection prepared by filling a syringe with a solution of modified hyaluronic acid molecules dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline, physiological saline, or water for injection, and slidingly sealing it with a plunger for drug extrusion. It is possible. Additionally, it is possible to use a plunger for drug extrusion that is commonly used, but is made of an elastic material such as rubber or synthetic rubber, and is inserted into the syringe in close contact so as to be able to slide. Additionally, the kit may include a plunger rod for extruding the drug by pressing in the plunger, an instruction manual, or attached documents.

<Embodiment>

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below.

[1] Contains modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound, and is used as a one-time injection over a period of 4 weeks or more for patients with human joint diseases. Composition for treating joint diseases.

[2] The composition according to [1] above, characterized in that it is used for patients with the joint disease who have pain for more than 26 weeks.

[3] The composition according to [1] or [2] above, which is used for patients with the joint disease who have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or more.

[4] In any one of [1] to [3] above, the modified hyaluronic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is hyaluronic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt through a group spacer derived from the anti-inflammatory compound. A composition formed by combining with respect to.

[5] In [4] above, the bonding form of the hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the spacer is selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, a thioester bond, and a sulfide bond. Composition.

[6] In [4] or [5] above, the bonding form between the spacer and the group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound is selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, a thioester bond, and a sulfide bond. composition.

[7] The composition according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound is covalently bonded to the hyaluronic acid skeleton through a spacer of the following formula (1):

However, in the above formula, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R ² is a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[8] The composition in [7] above, wherein R ¹ is a hydrogen atom and R ² is an ethylene group.

[9] The composition according to any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof contains a structural unit of the following formula (2):

However, in the above formula, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; ^R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X represents a group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound.

[10] The composition of [9] above, wherein R ¹ is a hydrogen atom and R ² is an ethylene group.

[11] In [9] or [10] above, the ratio of the structural units of the formula (2) to the total disaccharide units constituting the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is 0.1 mol% or more. 80 Composition with mole percent or less.

[12] The composition according to any one of [1] to [11] above, wherein a dose of the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof of 5 mg or more and 100 mg or less by weight is used for one administration.

[13] The composition according to any one of [1] to [12] above, wherein a dose of 0.1 mg or more and 20 mg or less by weight of the anti-inflammatory compound is used in one administration.

[14] The composition according to any one of [1] to [13], wherein the joint disease is osteoarthritis.

[15] The composition according to any one of [1] to [14] above, wherein the treatment improves, cures, or inhibits progression of symptoms.

[16] The composition of [15] above, wherein the treatment is to improve joint pain, inhibit healing or progression of joint pain, or improve joint function.

[17] The composition according to any one of [1] to [16] above, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[18] The composition according to any one of [1] to [17], wherein the steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound is diclofenac or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[19] In any one of [1] to [18] above, the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a group derived from the steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound and has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more. A composition containing not more than 5,000,000 hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[20] A kit including a syringe filled with the composition according to any one of [1] to [19] above.

[21] A composition containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound for use in a method of treating joint disease in patients with human joint disease, A composition comprising administering the composition as an injection once over a period of 4 weeks or more to a patient with a human joint disease.

[22] The composition of [21] above, wherein the method is performed on patients with human joint diseases who have pain for more than 26 weeks.

[23] The composition of [21] or [22], wherein the human joint disease patient has a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or more.

[24] In any one of [21] to [23] above, the modified hyaluronic acid or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound through a spacer. A composition formed by combining with respect to.

[25] In [24] above, the bonding form of the hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the spacer is selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, a thioester bond, and a sulfide bond. Composition.

[26] In [24] or [25] above, the bonding form between the spacer and the group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound is selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ether bond, an ester bond, a thioester bond, and a sulfide bond. composition.

[27] The composition according to any one of [21] to [26] above, wherein the group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound is covalently bonded to the hyaluronic acid skeleton through a spacer of the following formula (1):

However, in the above formula, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R ² is a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[28] The composition in [27] above, wherein R ¹ is a hydrogen atom and R ² is an ethylene group.

[29] The composition according to any one of [21] to [27] above, wherein the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof contains a structural unit of the following formula (2):

However, in the above formula, R ¹ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R ² is a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chain alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms; X represents a group derived from the anti-inflammatory compound.

[30] The composition of [29] above, wherein R ¹ is a hydrogen atom and R ² is an ethylene group.

[31] In [29] or [30] above, the ratio of the structural units of the formula (2) to the total disaccharide units constituting the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is 0.1 mol% or more. 80 Composition with mole percent or less.

[32] The composition according to any one of [21] to [31], wherein the method involves administering a dose of 5 mg or more and 100 mg or less by weight of the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at one time. .

[33] The composition according to any one of [21] to [32], wherein the method involves administering a dose of 0.1 mg or more and 20 mg or less by weight of the anti-inflammatory compound at one time.

[34] The composition according to any one of [21] to [33], wherein the joint disease is degenerative arthrosis.

[35] The composition according to any one of [21] to [34] above, wherein the treatment is improvement, cure, or inhibition of progression of symptoms.

[36] The composition of [35] above, wherein the treatment is to improve joint pain, inhibit healing or progression of joint pain, or improve joint function.

[37] The composition according to any one of [21] to [36] above, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[38] The composition according to any one of [21] to [37], wherein the steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound is diclofenac or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[39] In any one of [21] to [38] above, the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a group derived from the steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound and has a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more. A composition containing not more than 5,000,000 hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[40] The composition according to any one of [21] to [39], wherein the method is carried out by injection.

[41] Use of modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid-based or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound in the production of a composition for treating joint diseases, wherein the composition is an injectable agent and is administered to human patients. Use for the treatment of joint disease once in a period of 4 weeks or more.

[42] In [41] above, the composition is used for treating joint disease in a human joint disease patient with pain for more than 26 weeks.

[43] A method of treating human joint disease, comprising administering a composition containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a group derived from a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound to the joints of a patient with joint disease. A method comprising: the administration is performed once in a period of 4 weeks or more, and the composition is an injection.

[44] The method of [43] above, wherein the patient is a joint disease patient with pain for more than 26 weeks.

[45] The method of [43] or [44] above, wherein the administration is performed by injection.

Example

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail using examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way to the following examples.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, operations and physical properties were measured under room temperature (20°C or higher and 25°C or lower)/relative humidity of 40% RH or higher and 50% RH or lower.

<Synthesis example>

According to the method described in the examples of International Publication No. 2005/066214, aminoethanol-diclofenac-incorporated sodium hyaluronate (test material) was synthesized (weight average molecular weight of hyaluronic acid: 800,000, introduction rate: 18 mol%).

More specifically, it was synthesized using the following method.

2.155 g (10.5 mmol) of 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide was dissolved in 20 ml of dichloromethane, 1.463 ml (10.5 mmol) of triethylamine was added under ice cooling, and di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate ( 5 mL of a dichloromethane solution containing 2.299 g (10.5 mmol) of Boc2O) was added and stirred. After stirring at room temperature for 90 minutes, ethyl acetate was added, and the mixture was sequentially separated and washed with a 5% by weight aqueous citric acid solution, water, and saturated saline solution. After dehydration with sodium sulfate, the solvent was distilled under reduced pressure to obtain Boc-aminoethyl bromide.

5 ml of dimethylformamide (DMF) solution of 2.287 g (10.2 mmol) of Boc-aminoethyl bromide obtained above was ice-cooled, 6 ml of DMF solution of 3.255 g (10.2 mmol) of diclofenac sodium was added, and stirred at room temperature overnight. did. It was stirred at 60°C for 11 hours and stirred at room temperature overnight. Ethyl acetate was added, and the solution was sequentially separated and washed with a 5% by weight aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water, and saturated saline solution. After dehydration with sodium sulfate, ethyl acetate was distilled under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (toluene:ethyl acetate=20:1 (V/V), 0.5% by volume triethylamine) to obtain Boc-aminoethanol-diclofenac.

2.108 g (4.80 mmol) of Boc-aminoethanol-diclofenac obtained above was dissolved in 5 ml of dichloromethane, and 20 ml of 4M hydrochloric acid/ethyl acetate was added under ice cooling and stirred for 2.5 hours. Diethyl ether and hexane were added to precipitate, and the precipitate was dried under reduced pressure. As a result, aminoethanol-diclofenac hydrochloride was obtained. The structure was identified by ¹ H-NMR:

¹ H-NMR (500MHz, CDCl ₃ )δ(ppm)=3.18(2H, t, NH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ O-), 3.94(2H, s, Ph-CH ₂ -CO), 4.37(2H, t , NH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ O-), 6.47-7.31(8H, m, AromaticH, NH).

500 mg (1.25 mmol/disaccharide unit) of hyaluronic acid with a weight average molecular weight of 800,000 was dissolved in 56.3 mL of water/56.3 mL of dioxane, then hydroxysuccinic acid imide (1 mmol)/0.5 mL of water, water-soluble carbodiimide hydrochloride (WSCI) HCl) (0.5 mmol)/0.5 mL of water and aminoethanol-diclofenac hydrochloride (0.5 mmol)/(water:dioxane=1:1 (V/V), 5 mL) obtained above were sequentially added, and incubated for one day and night. It was stirred (day and night). 7.5 ml of 5% by weight aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution was added to the reaction solution, and stirred for about 4 hours. 215 ㎕ of 50% (V/V) acetic acid aqueous solution was added to the reaction solution to neutralize it, and then 2.5 g of sodium chloride was added and stirred. 400 ml of ethanol was added to precipitate, the precipitate was washed twice with 85% (V/V) ethanol aqueous solution, twice with ethanol, twice with diethyl ether, dried under reduced pressure at room temperature overnight, and aminoethanol-diclofenac was introduced. Sodium hyaluronate (test material) was obtained. The introduction rate of diclofenac measured by spectrophotometer was 18 mol%.

<Test sequence>

A multicenter, randomized, placebo study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a clinical trial drug (test drug or placebo, which is a composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention) administered three times every four weeks into the knee joint space in human patients with degenerative knee arthrosis. It was reviewed as a comparative trial between controlled, double-blind, and parallel groups. In addition, the test drugs and placebo were used as follows:

Test drug: 3 ml of aqueous solution for injection containing 30 mg of test substance (3.6 mg as diclofenac)

Placebo: 3 ml of water for injection solution containing no test substance.

The test drug or placebo was administered (injected) three times at week 0, week 4, and week 8, and the entire amount (3 ml) at each time point was administered (injected) into the knee joint space of the affected knee of the target patient.

Patients eligible for administration were determined according to the following selection criteria 1 to 9 and exclusion criteria 1 to 23.

(Selection criteria)

Patients who satisfied all of the following selection criteria 1 to 9 were eligible.

1. Patients diagnosed with knee OA according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology on the date of the screening test (performed within 2 weeks before the first administration)

2. Patients who have had pain due to OA in the target knee for more than 12 weeks before the date of obtaining consent

3. Patients with Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade 2 or 3 on upright frontal X-ray on the day of screening. However, if there is an X-ray image taken within 6 months before the screening start date, the image can be used as a substitute for the image on the screening test date.

ㆍKL grade 2: Hardness OA. Minor osteophyte formation, joint fissure narrowing, osteosclerosis, and bone cyst formation are recognized in some cases.

ㆍKL grade 3: Moderate OA. Osteophyte formation and moderate joint fissure narrowing

4. Patients aged 40 to 75 years on the date of obtaining consent

5. Patients whose knee's WOMAC (registered trademark) A (pain) score averaged 5 items and the 50-foot walk test pain score was 50 mm or more and 90 mm or less on the screening test date and the first administration date

6. Patients with the average value of 5 WOMAC (registered trademark) A (pain) scores of the knee opposite to the target knee and the 50-foot walk test pain score of 30 mm or less on the screening test date and the first administration day.

7. Patients who can walk without a walking device (cane, etc.) or assistance

8. Patients who can discontinue drug therapy other than this investigational drug and acetaminophen for the target knee from the start date of screening to the end date of observation (use of acetaminophen is prohibited from 2 days before the next visit including screening)

9. Patients who have received sufficient explanation using an explanation document, understood its contents, and have given written consent to participate in a clinical trial based on their free will.

(Exclusion criteria)

Patients who met any of the exclusion criteria 1 to 23 below were excluded.

1. Patients in whom it is clear that the OA of the target knee is secondary OA caused by trauma or other disease

2. On the day of the screening test or the first administration day, patients with pain in the lower body other than the underlying disease that may affect the evaluation, or patients with OA in parts of the lower body other than the knees (leg joint OA, hip joint OA, etc.) patient

3. Patients who have inflammatory diseases, infections, etc. in the target knee joint on the date of the screening test or the date of the first administration, or patients who have suffered from these diseases within 1 year before obtaining consent

4. Patients who have a skin disease or infection at the administration site on the day of the screening test or the first administration date and are at risk of infection by injection.

5. Patients who have undergone surgical treatment or other invasive treatment (arthroscopy, joint cleaning, etc.) of the target knee within 1 year before the screening start date (excluding drainage of joint fluid)

6. Patients who have received the following medications within 7 days before the screening start date. However, with the exception of diclofenac and opioid analgesics, topical agents (excluding suppositories) are used only on the lower extremity on the ipsilateral side of the target knee.

ㆍNSAID (can be used together with low-dose aspirin to prevent blood clots)

ㆍAdrenocortical steroid preparations

ㆍOpioid pain reliever

ㆍPeripheral nerve disorder pain medication

ㆍLocal anesthetic for the target knee

ㆍInjection of condoroitin sulfate

ㆍAnti-convulsants, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, herbal medicines, etc. for the purpose of relieving pain

7. Patients who have received intra-articular administration of a sodium hyaluronate cross-linked preparation (SYNVISC (registered trademark)) to the target knee within 6 months before the screening start date, or a sodium hyaluronate preparation (ARTZ (registered trademark)) to the target knee within 3 months before the screening start date Patients who received intra-articular administration of SUVENYL (registered trademark), etc.)

8. Patients who have received the following medications within 28 days before the screening start date. However, for topical preparations (excluding suppositories), this applies only when used on the lower extremity on the same side of the target knee.

ㆍTriamcinolone acetonide

ㆍMethylprednisolone acetate ester

ㆍOxaprozine

ㆍAmpyroxicam

ㆍPiroxicam

9. Patients who received block therapy (nerve block, epidural block, intervertebral joint block, etc.) within 28 days before the screening start date.

10. Patients who have taken condoroitin sulfate (limited to pharmaceutical products) internally for the purpose of relieving joint pain within 28 days before the screening start date (patients who have continued to use it more than 29 days before the screening start date are undergoing clinical trials) Continue is possible.)

11. Patients who have received physical therapy (exercise therapy, physical therapy, orthopedic therapy) for the purpose of treating target knee OA within 28 days before the screening start date (for patients who have continued to receive treatment more than 29 days before the screening start date) (Continuation of clinical trials during implementation is possible)

12. Patients with a BMI of 35.0㎏/㎡ or more on the screening test date (if measured multiple times, the day closest to the first administration date)

13. Women who are pregnant, lactating, or whose possibility of becoming pregnant has been revealed as a result of a pregnancy test [Pregnancy tests are conducted on women who can become pregnant. Testing is not required for women who deny the possibility of becoming pregnant, such as those who have undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral tubal ligation, or those who are thought to be postmenopausal (more than 2 years have passed since their last menstruation).]

14. Patients who do not agree to use appropriate contraception from the date of obtaining consent until the end of observation

15. Patients with aspirin asthma (asthma attacks caused by NSAIDs, etc.) or existing history of it

16. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to sodium hyaluronate, diclofenac sodium, or acetaminophen

17. Patients with a history of malignant tumor (within 5 years before obtaining consent) or complications. However, it may be eligible if it is judged to have been cured through surgical or local treatment.

18. Patients with the following symptoms or diseases that may affect the results of this clinical trial

ㆍPatients with critical heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood disease, immune dysfunction, etc.

ㆍPatients with systemic joint diseases such as joint rheumatism and gout

ㆍPatients with systemic chronic pain diseases such as fibromyalgia

ㆍPatients with peripheral nerve disorders due to diabetes, etc.

19. Patients with existing history or complications of drug dependence or alcohol dependence

20. In the clinical examination on the screening test date, patients who fall under any of the following:

ㆍPatients whose AST or ALT is more than 2.5 times the upper limit of the reference value of the measuring institution

ㆍPatients whose serum creatinine is more than 1.5 times the upper limit of the reference value of the measuring institution

ㆍPatients with positive results of hepatitis C virus antibody or hepatitis B surface antigen test

21. Patients who participated in clinical trials of this test substance in the past

22. Patients who participated in clinical trials of other drugs or medical devices within 16 weeks before the date of obtaining consent.

23. Other patients who are judged unsuitable for conducting this clinical trial by the doctor in charge of the clinical trial or the doctor in charge of the clinical trial.

Patients eligible for administration were determined according to the selection criteria 1 to 9 and exclusion criteria 1 to 23 above.

A total of 176 patients determined to meet the selection and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into the test drug administration group of the present invention (87 patients) and the placebo administration group (89 patients).

In each group, the BMI was 25 kg/m2 and the pain duration (DP) (weeks) was 26 and 52 weeks as threshold values, and the results of further stratification of the patient groups are shown in Table 1 below.

In addition, the number of patients in Table 1 below corresponds to the number of patients at the start of this test.

At the time of the first administration and at each evaluation time of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks after the first administration, effectiveness was evaluated based on the following evaluation method.

<Evaluation method>

Dr. Effectiveness was assessed using the WOMAC (registered trademark) assessment developed by Nicholas Bellamy (The Journal of Rheumatology 1988; 15:12, p. 1833-1840). The WOMAC (registered trademark) evaluation is an established evaluation method for degenerative arthrosis (The Journal of Rheumatology 2000; 27:11, p. 2635-2641).

The patient's response was conducted using VAS (Visual Analog Scale). VAS is a method in which the patient indicates the patient's own degree of touch for each question along a 100 mm straight line, and the degree is judged based on the position. The position is expressed as the length from the left end on the scale. For example, during each evaluation before and after administration, the patient is asked the same questions about pain, and the patient responds by indicating the position (degree) on the scale. The improvement effect is quantified based on the difference between the length indicated by the patient before administration (baseline before administration) and the length indicated by the patient at each evaluation after administration.

<Result>

The improvement effect was quantified based on the length indicated by the patient before administration (baseline before administration) and the length indicated by the patient during each evaluation after administration. Table 1 shows the results of analysis of questions regarding physical function evaluation (WOMAC (registered trademark) C; evaluated based on difficulty in daily activities such as going up and down stairs or getting in and out of a car). Also, in Table 1, the lower the change amount difference value is than 0, the higher the improvement effect is.

As described above, by administering the test drug, which is a composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention, as a one-time injection over a period of 4 weeks or more, a significant improvement in chronic degenerative arthrosis was recognized compared with the placebo group (difference in change: -6.7).

The relationship between the duration of the patient's pain and the improvement effect was analyzed in more detail. As a result, even in patients whose pain continued for less than 26 weeks, a certain degree of improvement in degenerative joint disease was recognized (difference in change: -2.4).

On the other hand, in patients in the test drug group whose pain continued for more than 26 weeks, a higher improvement effect was recognized for deforming arthrosis compared with the placebo group (difference in change: -7.9). This tendency was particularly notable in patients whose pain continued for more than 52 weeks (difference in change: -9.0).

The relationship between the patient's BMI and the improvement effect was interpreted in more detail. As a result, even in patients with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m2 in the test drug group, a certain degree of improvement in degenerative arthrosis was recognized (difference in change: -2.0).

Meanwhile, in patients with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more in the test drug group, a particularly significant improvement in degenerative arthrosis was recognized compared with the placebo group (difference in change: - 12.5).

In addition, in patients whose pain continued for more than 26 weeks and whose BMI was 25 kg/m2 or more, the test drug group showed the greatest improvement in degenerative joint disease compared with the placebo group (difference in change: -13.7). .

The above is the analysis result for the physical function evaluation (WOMAC (registered trademark) C), but the same improvement trend was recognized for pain (WOMAC (registered trademark) A; evaluated by the intensity of pain in the back when walking).

In addition, regarding pain (WOMAC (registered trademark) A) at 12 weeks after administration (i.e., 4 weeks after the final administration), the least square mean value was calculated for the amount of change from the baseline value (score before administration). As a result, the test drug group was -37.5 (n: 84, standard error: 2.6), and the placebo group was -29.0 (n: 81, standard error: 2.6), a statistically significant difference (P value: p =0.018, lower 95% confidence interval: -15.6, upper 95% confidence interval: -1.5).

<Conclusion>

The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention showed a significant improvement effect on joint diseases in human joint disease patients when administered as a one-time injection over a period of 4 weeks or more. In addition, a more excellent improvement effect on joint diseases was recognized in patients with a particularly long duration of pain before the start of administration, DP for 26 weeks or more, or DP for 52 weeks or more. In particular, a very significant improvement effect was recognized in patients with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or more and a DP of 26 weeks or more. The composition for treating joint diseases of the present invention is administered as an injection multiple times into the joint of the diseased joint of a human joint disease patient at an administration interval of 4 weeks or more, preferably 4 weeks, thereby treating joint diseases. brings about an improvement effect.

<Reference example>

A single dose of 15 mg, 30 mg, or 60 mg (6 cases/each dose) of the above-mentioned test substance was administered into the knee joint space of healthy Caucasian males aged between 20 and 40 years. Plasma was continuously collected from the test subjects, and the concentration of metabolites of the test substances in the plasma was measured. In addition, the measured metabolite is a compound (tetramer )am. Metabolites were measured by Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) using LC-MS/MS (LC:LC-20AD series (Shimadzu Corporation), MS/MS:QTRAP (registered trademark) 5500 System (ABSCIEX)). Conducted (Monitor ion:m/z=1097.3→700.1).

As a result, the concentration of the metabolite reached its highest value at 2 weeks after administration at both doses and then decreased. Four weeks after administration, the concentration of the metabolite was about 50% of the maximum value for the 60 mg administration group, about 35% of the highest value for the 30 mg administration group, and about 25% of the highest value for the 15 mg administration group.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to specific examples and various embodiments, it is easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and applications of the embodiments described in this specification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. .

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-49203, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 14, 2017, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-132509, filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 6, 2017. and the contents thereof are incorporated into this application in its entirety by reference.

The present invention provides a composition for treating joint diseases that has a significant improvement effect on joint diseases in human joint disease patients (particularly, chronic joint disease patients), and a treatment method for human joint diseases using the composition for treating joint diseases, etc. Since it provides , it has the potential for industrial use in the pharmaceutical industry, etc.

Claims (5)

A composition for the treatment of human degenerative arthritis containing modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient,
The composition is an injection, and is administered intraarticularly to human osteoarthritis patients at a frequency of once every four weeks.
A dose of 30 mg by weight of the modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is used for one administration,
The modified hyaluronic acid is a basic skeleton in which the disaccharide unit of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid bonded to β1,3 is repeatedly bonded to β1,4, and diclofenac is a spacer represented by the formula (1) below. It is achieved by covalent bonding through,
The bonding form between the spacer and the diclofenac is an ester bond,
The bonding form between the hyaluronic acid molecule and the spacer is an amide bond,
Characterized in that a dose of more than 1 mg and less than 5 mg by weight of the diclofenac is used for one administration,
Composition for the treatment of human degenerative arthrosis:

However, in the above formula (1), R ¹ is a hydrogen atom; R ² is an ethylene group. According to paragraph 1,
An aqueous composition containing an aqueous solvent, wherein 2 ml or more and 4 ml or less of the aqueous composition is used for one administration. According to paragraph 1,
A composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. According to paragraph 1,
The modified hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is a composition in which the diclofenac and hyaluronic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 to 5,000,000 are combined. A kit comprising a syringe filled with the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.